Reflecting on the Past Year
I’m not saying all was grand this year. There were those days when I didn’t want to like my kids, those days when my heart didn’t want to be kind and those days when my heart was overwhelmed. I want to be upset at myself for being this way, yet I find myself saying, “It’s okay.”
It’s okay to be selfish for 15 minutes. But I don’t like it! I don’t like being unkind. I like to share joy. I actually pride myself on bringing joy to others. As I sit here and reflect, I wonder if I brought joy to anyone this year.
In my heart, I believe I did. In my mind, I know I did. Yet something is missing. I’m not sure if I stretched my “joy comfort zone.”
Was I fearful of pursuing something that was beyond my current circumstances that would bring more joy? Did I bring joy to everyone I encountered, or did I just bring joy to those immediately around me? What can I do or what should I do to bring more joy from here on out?
Thinking About the Next Year
Next year is a milestone year for me. I’ll be 40 years young. Since my last birthday, I’ve also been pondering what I can do before I turn 40. Here are few ideas I’ve had:
- Complete four pull-ups
- Read 40 books
- Find 40 new meals to cook
But even with all of these items on my “Before I Turn 40 List”, something is still missing. For the longest time, I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then, I went to the movie Wonder, and I knew exactly what was missing.
- Showing more kindness
- Sharing joy
- Giving standing ovations
There’s a line from Wonder in which Auggie Pullman, the main character, says, “I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.”
I know exactly how I felt when I received my once-in-a-lifetime ovation a few years ago. The feeling is indescribable. I wondered what it would feel like for everyone I encountered to receive an ovation?
Setting Goals to Share More Joy
My “Before I Turn 40 List” took an unprecedented turn. I’ve decided to give 40 ovations before I turn 40.
I’m going to be intentional in sharing joy by bestowing ovations. Forty ovations to let others know I’m inspired by them. Because I’m only one person, I realize I cannot accomplish standing ovations for all those who have inspired me; therefore, I need to look for a different outlet.
Which is why I’ve decided my outlet will be in written form through cards and online posts. That way, I can specifically share reasons why each person has inspired me to be a better mom, wife, teacher or friend.
As this year comes to an end, and you prepare for the new year, what’s one thing you can do to inspire others? I challenge you to give someone an ovation and bring joy to those around you!
Shelly Mowinkel
K-12 & Teens
My husband and I have three kids. Our oldest is a freshman in high school, and our youngest is in second grade. Most days, I feel like we are a “tag-team chauffeuring” service, yet I wouldn’t have our life any other way. Not only I am a business/technology teacher at Milford, I am also the district technology integration specialist. I love teaching because I get the opportunity to make those around me better. My hope is that, through my blogging, I am able to inspire, encourage, and share with you my adventures of being a wife, mother, and professional.
